Weird experience while testing bows

I am currently trying out bows to replace my Dürrschmidt bow I’ve had ever since I started playing. I’ve been there once before but never got around to actually buying a new one.

Since I was totally amazed by them last I tried, I am having 4 different Prochownik bows at the moment (ranging from 116 to 130 grams) in trial at the moment. This has so far been kind of a trip, to be honest.

It started with me being quite happy for all of them, albeit not as blown away as last time I tried Prochowniks. I will try other bows in other price ranges as well, since I am looking for “the last bow I am buying”. I am also learning that Prochownik has more or less stopped making bows and is retired, so these four are “as good as it gets”.

Anyway. Gradually, I grew more and more disappointed by the four sticks, since they somehow began to play quite difficult and screechy, with all too many unmanageable overtones and a rather unpleasant brittleness to them. I used Nymans rosin since that was what I have been using literally all my bass playing life.

But, being massively turned off by the bows, and figuring the one unknown factor was the rosin, I called Prochownik’s European contact in Cologne. She told me that when I got the bows, they had Pop’s on.

So I bought a cake of Pop’s. Lo and Behold, they are back to their standard again, playing much easier without screeching or overtone madness, drawing a beautiful huge tone. What?! Can this make such a difference?? I am very sure I haven’t used too much Nyman’s.

Does anybody in the crowd here have any idea what that was? Am I delusional? Do the two rosins behave badly together? How am I supposed to find out?

Best
sidecar

 

Don,

I realize I haven’t said anything about this- but the Nymans is brandnew as well. But maybe it was too much (even though I don’t think so). In any case, thanks for the wipedown tip- I’ll definitely try that.

Best
Sidecar

 

LouisF,

not yet. I’m taking a very extensive test where I play each of them exclusively for a few days. I’m eager to try wiping all rosin off and reapplying either pops or Nyman. Plus, I might very well put some other alternatives to the mix- Jordan Scapinello lives rather near to me, and his bows have a small but exceptional reputation. They are roughly twice the price, but in the bow world, I have always found that quality and price are directly proportional. (With the exception of Prochowniks, they seem considerably better than their price tag suggests).

As I said, I’d rather spend a little bigger and end up with a “bow for life” than keeping it cheaper and ending with a new-bow-itch 10 years from now.

Best
Sidecar

 

Wiping both the hair and the strings clean definitely makes a difference- much easier to play and much smoother, yet at least as big, sound. Thanks for the hint, Don Kasper!

Best
Sidecar

 

Phil,

I haven't bought a bow yet- I've sent the Prochowniks back.
mid-march or early-april is the time I'm going to receive 4 Scapinellos to try. Needless to say I am thrilled.
Best
Sidecar

 

Soon this beauty will be on its way to me...



Best
Sidecar

 

I wish I knew... I don’t know yet- it’s not even done. But, that’s part of the excitement of it.

Best
Sidecar

 

Yeah, it's crazy.
Ending on the 20th.

Sidecar